Let's Talk About It

This activity provides a basic introduction to the properties of light. Students will discover that visible light consists of a mix of colors that represent only part of the spectrum of radiation produced by the sun.

Begin a class discussion about what happened when the water in the plastic container was placed on the overhead projector. Challenge students to think about what caused the rainbow to appear. Expect a variety of answers and observations, and pose questions that encourage students to think. Then, help them understand that the light is being separated into its constituent colors as it passes through the water in the container.